Advanced Foveating Image Sensors and Applications

Nova Sensors developed the world’s first foveating focal plane array (FPA) in 2002 under sponsorship from the Air Force Research Laboratory. At least eight SBIR contracts have contributed to the development of a variety of these devices which are now being implemented in demonstration camera systems. The first device was a 32 x 32 pixel visible test imager; today Nova has demonstrated a fully-functioning camera system utilizing a 1024 x 1024 pixel midwave infrared (MWIR) cryogenically cooled “Variable Acuity Superpixel Imaging” (VASI™) FPA. Nova’s patent (application #10/613,126 filed 7/3/2003) is in process and we believe it to be the first, genuine conception and implementation of a multi-foveating image sensor that performs real-time bandwidth reduction of image data. This SBIR effort is in the true spirit of continuing to extend the range of applications of foveating image sensor technology. These devices and camera systems exist at Nova Sensors, we have invested heavily in the marketing and commercialization of the technology and we have a unique vision of the future capabilities of this technology. This project will guide these future technology advancements that strive to automate threat detection and tracking of military targets with both FPA and optics innovations.